President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

President McAleese pictured at Dublin Castle following her first inauguration on November 11th 1997. Photograph: Joe St. Leger/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese at Áras an Uachtaráin on November 15th, 1999. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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President McAleese photographed at Áras an Uachtaráin on November 15th, 1999. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese with her husband Dr Martin McAleese and their children Sara, Emma,and Justin, poet Brendan Kennelly, members of the gospel choir of St Mary of the Angels and neighbours for the 'Last Light' Millennium candle ceremony at the Áras on New Year's Eve, 1999. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese welcomes US president Bill Clinton and the first lady Hillary Clinton to the Áras on December 12th, 2000. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese at the Ecumenical Service of Remembrance and Healing at the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin on September 14th, 2001 for the victims of the terrorist attacks in the US. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese with Majda Fallah (left) and Sumiya Bazama when she welcomed members of the Islamic community in Ireland to the Áras on October 16th, 2001. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

Mrs McAleese is congratulated by Bertie Ahern following her inauguration on November 11th, 2004. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Former British prime minister Tony Blair signs the visitors' book at the Áras, watched by Mrs McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese on January 26th, 2006. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese inspects the Presidential Guard of Honour during the 91st Easter 1916 commemoration ceremony at the GPO in Dublin, April 8th, 2007. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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President McAleese lays a wreath during the 91st Easter 1916 commemoration ceremony at the GPO in Dublin on April 8th, 2007. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Brian Cowen receives his seal of office from President Mary McAleese following his election as taoiseach on May 7th, 2008.
Photograph: Bryan O'Brien/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Mrs McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese cast their votes on the first Lisbon referendum in St Mary's Hospital Phoenix Park, Dublin on June 12th, 2008. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with President McAleese at the War Memorial Garden in Islandbridge, Dublin on May 18th, 2011. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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President Mary McAleese makes a speech at the State dinner in Dublin Castle during the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth II in May 2011. Photograph: Arthur Edwards/Getty Images

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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US president Barack Obama first lady Michelle Obama Mrs McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese in the gardens of Áras an Uachtaráin during the president's visit to Ireland on May 23rd, 2011. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

President Mary McAleese 1997-2011

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President Mary McAleese welcomes her successor Michael D Higgins to Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday, November 3rd, 2011. Photograph: Maxwells